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Summary

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates has felt for some like it's been a lo-o-o-o-o-ng time coming. In fact, it was announced all the way back at E3 in 2004 and has taken until March 2008 to hit UK shores.

The game is the second in the series, following up 2004's Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles on the GameCube in what's shaping up to be a Nintendo exclusive FF offshoot. Essentially, you've got a streamlined version of the original game with a multiplayer aspect that's been rebuilt from scratch.

So... what's it all about? Well, you've got The Great Crystal, right? And that protects the land from the sinister glow of the blood red moon, okay? But... well, things go a bit wrong, as the peace is shattered and the red moon rises. Enter twins born with a shared, mystical power and you've got yourself an RPG.

The game has been built with the intention of being the most accessible Final Fantasy game ever. As such, you'll find lush 3D graphics displaying action-based combat of the hack 'n' slash variety to lure in the uninitiated.

The DS's wireless functionality enables up to four friends to co-operate either in the main campaign or in specially designed multiplayer areas. You'll be able to show off, too, thanks to the oodles of character customisation at your disposal.